Math in Architecture!

Basic math is required for all architecture; a building where the amount of weight it can hold is unknown wouldn't exactly be one that a lot of people would want to step in! However, oftentimes architects go above and beyond when designing building, and rely on math to make creations that are structurally sound and aesthetically beautiful. Here are a few examples of the application of math in architecture!

Endesa Pavilion Solar House 2.0

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular, and this pavillion in Barcelona, designed by a team at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) led by Rodrigo Rubio, used math to take full advantage of solar power. Made of wooden parts produced with a machine similar to a 3D printer, this building's design was aided by a computer program to optimize the amount of solar power it can produce!

The Gherkin

This London skyscraper looks a lot like a pickle (thus the name), and there is a mathematical reason behind its unusual shape! Standing at 591 feet and designed by the firm Foster and Partners, parametric modeling was used to minimize whirlwinds around the tower, and the pickle design maximizes ventilation. Its distinct mathematical design makes it stand out!

Taj Mahal

One of the world's most famous buildings, this mausoleum built under Shah Jahan relied on mathematics for practical purposes that contributed to its beauty. The tall minarets outside the central building are designed such that they stand upright, but will fall outward if an earthquake strikes, protecting the main structure.  Additionally, the building is designed symmetrically, both vertically and horizontally (with the reflecting pool), and the golden ratio can be found looking at the size of the arches and walls on the outside of the building!

Cadet Chapel

 

This chapel at the US Air Force Academy is a feat of architecture, designed by Walter Nesch with geometry in mind. There are 17 spires on the chapel, which has a tetrahedral frame. Built in 1960 for over $3 million dollars, this breathtaking structure is 175 feet high!

Leaning Tower of Pisa

While mathematics certainly contributed to the design of the famous tower, engineers have used mathematics to prevent it from leaning too much! Several years ago, it seemed as if the tower was going to finally tip too much, so a team was brought in to restore it. The initial solution - fortifying the base - failed, as it only made the base heavier. Eventually, a solution was found - they removed soil from the side that was leaning and added cables to stop the lean. Currently the tower leans at an angle of 4 degrees - just a little more than a degree less than the 'critical point' at which it will fall!